UK Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Championships to Take Place in Falmouth this September

Published On: 13 August 2025Last Updated: 13 August 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Bluefin jumping Copyright - Aaron Barrat Tuna Gear

Tuna fishing will return to Falmouth Harbour from 4th to 6th September, as the UK Bluefin Tuna “Catch & Release” Championships 2025 brings over 200 anglers and more than 30 boats to compete in one of Britain’s fastest-growing sportfishing events.

Sustainable Sportfishing in a World-Class Location

Held in one of the UK’s most iconic fishing destinations, the event is becoming a headline tournament in the catch-and-release sportfishing calendar. Anglers will target Atlantic bluefin tuna, one of the ocean’s most prized predators, under strictly regulated sustainable practices.

Falmouth Harbour will host a live leaderboard, marquee, bar and sponsor exhibits along the waterfront. Friday night will feature a Q&A with ex-England rugby legends Tom Croft, Dean Richards and Mike Teague, who are also competing. The prize giving ceremony will take place on Saturday evening.

“This championship captures the spirit of bluefin tuna fishing, skill and teamwork – all underpinned by a deep respect for our marine environment,” said Sam Narbett, one of the event’s organisers. “We’re proud to operate a strict catch-and-release format and honoured to work alongside our supporters to deliver a great experience.”

📷Hannah Rudd with her fish - photo Tim Macpherson

Training, Permits and Code of Practice

All skippers taking part must hold a bluefin tuna recreational fishing permit issued by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and complete an accredited training course before the event. A skippers’ training day will cover recommended fishing techniques, tackle, handling and recovery of the fish for safe release.

Competitors must also adhere to the Bluefin Recreational Catch and Release fishery Code of Practice issued by the MMO. Fish brought to the boats will be measured and recorded under verified GPS tracking protocols using the Angling Live app.

Environmental Focus

The event aims to eliminate single-use plastics and promote sustainable boating. Sponsor Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project includes micro-plastic collecting devices in some outboard motors, designed to gather plastic waste from the water while operating. A number of competing boats have these engines fitted.

A fully electric boat will be used throughout the tournament by the Competition Marshalls and media team, and competitors will be encouraged to take part in a beach clean.

Falmouth Harbour’s Commercial Operations Manager Tristan Rowe said, “We are happy to host the UK Bluefin Tuna ‘Catch & Release’ Championships back here for 2025, from our marina and quayside facilities. We have been able to work with the organisers to help make sure the event continues in its drive towards education on best practices and standards of equipment, which will serve to maintain the stocks of these amazing creatures.

“Witnessing bluefin tuna feeding in our local waters is becoming one of the most memorable and exhilarating on-the-water experiences and one we want people to able to witness for as long as the Tuna keep returning. Along with the organisers’ efforts to mitigate environmental impact, Falmouth Harbour will also be providing a fishing line bin on the quay to promote and facilitate recycling of waste and discarded line.”

📷Tim Macpherson and fish - photo Tim Macpherson

Return of the Tuna to UK Waters

The UK once had a thriving tuna fishery, but numbers declined due to overfishing of the tuna and their baitfish. Years of global conservation efforts overseen by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) have seen the species return in large numbers to British waters for around five months each year since 2016.

The benefits of the Catch and Release Recreational Fishery extend beyond the water. In 2022, just 25 boats generated a total economic impact of £2.6 million, according to a DEFRA/Cefas study.